Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The CIC3* division at Jersey Fresh is traditionally a greener division than the CCI3*. While there are no first time Advanced horses here, there are a few with only one or two runs under their belt. Many of these horses will go next to the Bromont CCI3*, while others will stay at the CIC3* level for awhile to gain experience.
For the CIC3*, the dressage test will also be 2015 FEI 3*-A. The cross country course designer is John Williams and the show jumping course designer is Sally Ike, same as for the CCI3*.
TOP FIVE
1. Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo: Landmark’s Monte Carlo is one of the greener horses in the division, with only a couple of runs under his belt. However, those two runs came at Carolina and The Fork, considered strong preps for Rolex. These days, it’s tough to bet against Lauren, and I don’t plan to this weekend.
In his two tests at the level thus far, Landmark’s Monte Carlo averages a 51.2 on the flat. In a field without any standouts in dressage, he should be near the top after the first phase. He does average a rail currently, pulling two at a tough Carolina but jumping clear at The Fork.
Lauren took it a little slow with him at his first Advanced, but picked up the pace in the second, averaging out to only 6 time penalties across the country. If they can match that this weekend, Lauren should find herself in an increasingly familiar position on top of the leaderboard with a score just over 60.
Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Jenni Autry.
2. Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace: One of the most consistent young riders on the circuit, Caroline and Quantum Solace decided to forego a start at their first four-star this year in favor of making their first overseas trip. This pair is headed next to the Tattersalls CIC3* in Ireland, before heading to Bramham for the U25 CCI3*.
Quantum Solace’s weakest phase is on the flat, scoring a 56.5 when he performed this test at Red Hills. He makes up for it in the jumping, averaging clear rounds with only 2 time penalties added when jumping over Sally’s courses.
A clear round across the country, averaging only 8 time penalties when running a John Williams course will complete their climb up the ranks. Caroline and Quantum Solace should finish in second place, on a score in the mid-60s.
3. Allie Knowles and The Dark Mark: Allie has re-routed her Rolex horse Sound Prospect into the CCI3*, but she’s got his greener stablemate entered in this division. With two good Advanced runs under his belt, this horse will be attempting his first three-star this weekend.
The Dark Mark is still working on the flat at this level, averaging a 62.2 in his attempts thus far. He is on the verge of a double clear average in the stadium, with one rail in two rounds, and a double clear most recently at The Fork. A quick run across the country, matching his average of 6.4 time penalties, will cement his place in the top five. Allie and The Dark Mark should finish third with a score in the mid to high 60s.
4. Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Catchascatchcan: Sara is another who is here this weekend with her greener Advanced horse, having just completed a clear round at Rolex with Fly Me Courageous. Catchascatchcan had a solid spring season, with clear runs at Rocking Horse, Poplar Place and The Fork and is now attempting his first CIC3*.
Catchascatchcan has been bouncing between scores in the low 50s and low 60s, and his flat average currently hovers at 59.8 penalties. In three show jumping rounds, he’s accumulated only one rail, so is a real contender to jump double clear in this phase. Sara has been taking him moderately quickly across the country, averaging 10 time penalties. Look for these two in fourth place, with a score just under 70.
5. Ryan Wood and Frankie: Ryan has a whole stable full of Advanced horses right now, but is only bringing one of them out to play this weekend. Frankie has quietly but consistently been improving his form throughout this season and most recently won the Advanced division at Fair Hill. This weekend will be his first three-star.
Frankie currently averages a 54.9 at this level, which will put him in good stalking range of the leaders right off the bat. A careful jumper, he currently averages only 1 time penalty in the show jumping phase. Ryan does run this horse a touch more slowly, racking up an average of 15.2 time penalties. A final score just over 70 will see this pair rounding out the top five.
Kurt Martin and DeLux Z. Photo courtesy of Kasey Mueller.
THE DARK HORSE
Kurt Martin and DeLux Z: Kurt Martin looked like he had another live one on his hands when DeLux Z debuted this season, clocking in a clean and quick round at his first Advanced before racking up a third place at Carolina in his second.
When DeLux Z stepped up to the CIC3* level though, he ran into a bit of trouble, recording a stop at The Fork before a parting of the ways at Fair Hill. Kurt is nothing if not determined though, and this pair could be a real contender to take it all if they return to their early season form.
Sharon White and Wundermaske. Photo by Jenni Autry.
THE SPOILER
Sharon White and Wundermaske: Sharon White and Wundermaske have re-routed to Jersey after retiring on course due to early trouble at Rolex. Very solid on the flat and a careful jumper, Wundermaske usually rounds out his form with a solid cross country round.
However, these two do occasionally have issues on course, including their one run over John Williams’ Jersey Fresh course in 2013. Since then, they have largely enjoyed clear cross country rounds at this level. If Sharon re-establishes their consistency at the three-star level this weekend, they’ll nab a top two placing.
